Your Life is Now

by Renee on June 10, 2015

Friends, the past couple of weeks have been yet another reminder that life turns on a dime. Ten years ago Paul and I experienced this phenomenon when our son Matt was initially diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 8. It turned out to be wrong–thankfully–and he’s since been able to cope with a disease that is not life-threatening. But there were quite a few weeks of uncertainty, and when we knew we had been spared what many are not, Paul and I decided that we needed to give back. That’s when we joined Team in Training to benefit the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Paul completed three funding campaigns and 100-mile bike rides at Lake Tahoe (2006, 2007 & 2008)–I joined him for all three campaigns and one ride.

More recently, Paul had been experiencing serious, constant headaches, and then short-term memory loss. It came to a climax when he was traveling for business and woke up in another city not knowing where he was–you can imagine how scared I was for him when he called to ask me for help. Somehow my daughter Ali and I got him home safely on a wing and many prayers…and then immediately to the Emergency Department at University Hospitals of Cleveland. It was there we learned that he was dealing with several masses in his brain. Since then, doctors have been working on a diagnosis. The physicians at the Seidman Cancer Center are fairly certain we’re looking at a lymphoma, though there are a couple of tests left to give us a final determination. However, we’re headed back to Seidman today, and treatment is likely to start on Friday. (I would love another reprieve like we got with Matt, but that may be too much to ask for…however, I know miracles do happen.) If there’s anyone who has good karma coming his way, it’s Paul.

Meanwhile, some friends started a #TeamDeLuca meme wave on Facebook, and the photos have been lifting us up! If you feel moved to create some of your own, we’d be forever grateful. Remember that your life can change in the blink of an eye, and it’s too short to drink bad beer. To quote John Mellencamp, your life is now. So lift a glass and offer a hearty “Cheers,”–to Paul…his strength, determination to fight this, no matter what it turns out to be…and to all the friends and loved ones who are seeing us through another challenge in our life together. We couldn’t do it without you.

UPDATE: Paul ended up having a second biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and remove much of one of the tumors. He starts chemo the weekend of June 27th, after a period of some healing. We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. It’s a long road ahead but #TeamDeLuca is holding us up. Thank you!

Renee, I’m not skilled enough for memes or even much in the way of photos, but I’m dedicating to Paul’s recovery many miles per week from my long walks–sending endless good wishes and positive imagery and envisioning a 100% positive outcome for him–and for you and your family.

Hi! I’m a stage 2a breast cancer survivor as recent as this past January having a clear mammogram after radiation treatments which followed a lumpectomy and a re excision. This diagnosis came just after having witnessed my father struggle with a glioma brain tumor which took his life on earth on July 28, 2014. My biopsy was on July 24, 2014 and my surgery was August 12, 2014. I can give you my dads hope and belief on the good spirit store and his religious, spiritual convictions. He left his family cared for financially and emotionally well before he even knew of his diagnosis. He survived not one, but 3 brain surgeries! He was a fighter! That I took with me in beating my own cancer. Mine was easy… I will leave you with this… I will walk many miles, ride my bike, eat healthy, and deal w stresses of life in as positive an approach as I can with you, myself, my dad and countless others that are dealing with challenges related to health and well being! I will strive to be the best person I can be today and every day. I will continue to pray for strength on dealing with life’s challenges, in thanking God for life’s blessings, and for all including you who suffer or may suffer trauma or other health challenges! Please visit the good spirit store as often as possible ESP when the negative mind tries creeping in, and it will try! You have multitudes in support of you, many strangers like me, family, and friends! Keep them close to you! You will overcome these challenges one way or another!
God bless!

My mother-in-law is currently at Seidmen, dealing with her battle against cancer too. I’ll try to remember your face and offer you a fistbump if I see you in the halls. Good luck to you all, and your family is in my thoughts.

Renee & Paul: I feel so blessed that I met Renee when I did. I look forward to meeting Paul in the near future to share his story, I do believe in Miracles. Miracles are made every day when we wake up and decide to smile and share our life with others…..Paul, I am willing to share whatever I can with you and yours – L’chaim, TO LIFE!

I’m a big believer that you get back what you put out into the world. Your enormous network of loved ones is able to support you through this tough time because you and Paul have supported us and offered your love in the past. And, yes- Paul deserves good Karma and so do you!

Thank you for sharing the details. I wanted to ask what happened, but it wasn’t really important that I know and I didn’t want to bother you, just support you and offer my love to you and your family.

Paul:
Please know that I am thinking of you, praying for you, riding for you as are many of your TNT kin. God Bless you and your family. A Tour De Ohio jersey with your name on it will be coming your way.
Love ya,
Charley